Volume One, Chapter 11: Is This an Invitation to Humiliation?

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Lu Jingchen was surrounded by a crowd as he entered, while Ye Zhaoying was pushed into her seat. Little Li beside her stared blankly at Lu Jingchen, as if her soul was being drawn away.

“Boss, this is the investor of our studio. He’s even more handsome in person than in the news!”

Lu Jingchen’s gaze was sharp, his stride commanding as he passed by. Suddenly, he turned his head to glance at Ye Zhaoying. She was momentarily stunned, not understanding why he would suddenly look her way, but before she could ponder, he quickly averted his eyes.

Perhaps he was looking at something else.

The venue was crowded, and every move Lu Jingchen made was captured by reporters. Even a brief turn of his head sparked endless curiosity about what had caught his attention.

Yet, surrounded by so many people, and with Ye Zhaoying already seated, no one could guess who Lu Jingchen had looked at.

Only Fu Mingchi, sitting beside Ye Zhaoying, observed their every move closely. His hands clenched tightly by his sides, a fierce jealousy rising within him.

Was Lu Jingchen really looking at Ye Zhaoying just now? Why? The two were openly hostile at school; everyone at A University knew Lu Jingchen disliked Ye Zhaoying. So what was the meaning behind this sudden action?

More puzzling was something Fu Mingchi had never figured out, something Ye Zhaoying had once evaded: Why would Lu Jingchen invest in Ye Zhaoying?

Amid his bafflement, Fu Mingchi’s eyes flickered over Ye Zhaoying, who now sat quietly and attentively reviewing materials. He could only see her beautiful, aloof profile, a strand of hair falling softly, swaying between light and shadow under the venue’s lights, adding a touch of allure to her composure.

Suddenly, his throat tightened, his breath quickened, and recalling his previous failure only deepened his resentment.

Ye Zhaoying, sooner or later, I will have you.

There was no time to think further, as the event was about to begin. Fu Mingchi greeted Ye Zhaoying, “Baby, the event’s starting soon. I’m heading over first.”

Ye Zhaoying nodded silently, her gaze following Qin Lulu instinctively walking away with Fu Mingchi, a sense of irony welling within her.

Little Li noticed too, surprised. “Boss, why did Lulu go with President Fu? Wasn’t she here to see you? And isn’t President Fu your boyfriend...?”

Her voice grew quieter, fearing Ye Zhaoying might get upset.

But Ye Zhaoying’s expression remained calm. “It’s nothing. Focus on preparing for the upcoming competition.”

“All right.” Little Li dared not say more.

The organizers began with an opening speech, first solemnly introducing the special guest of the event: Lu Jingchen.

Although Lu’s Venture Capital’s main business wasn’t fashion, it held countless investments in the garment industry, nearly half of the clothing companies present today had shares under his name.

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Naturally, Lu Jingchen sat in the center of the front row alongside the company’s CEO.

After the host introduced the judges and the event’s schedule, the competition officially commenced.

Ye Zhaoying’s studio was small, so their turn would naturally be later.

Yuanhui Company was near the front; their team was large, each member beaming as if the trophy was already theirs before the contest began.

Especially Ye Qianyao, basking in the spotlight with a triumphant smile, occasionally glancing back at Ye Zhaoying with a seemingly friendly but actually provocative gaze.

Ye Zhaoying didn’t even look her way, focusing entirely on the contestants’ presentations on stage.

When it came to Yuanhui’s turn, Ye Qianyao walked forward confidently, cameras immediately focusing on her.

Click, click...

The constant shutter sounds filled the air. Ye Qianyao already had considerable fame online, and many reporters were there specifically for her.

On stage, she confidently showcased her design sketches, her smile radiant.

As soon as her designs were revealed, a wave of excitement swept through the room—not only among participants and journalists, but even the previously stern judges turned to exchange astonished looks.

“This design is stunning! A genius designer, truly living up to her reputation!”

“Right! Did you see? The judges’ eyes were practically glued to her!”

“I’ve never seen such innovative designs before. I can’t imagine how amazing they’ll look worn!”

“Miss Ye Qianyao’s college works already broke the mold; professors called her a prodigy. I used to think that was exaggerated, but now I see there was no exaggeration at all!”

“This time, the champion will definitely be Ye Qianyao...”

The praises continued nonstop, but little Li sitting beside Ye Zhaoying turned pale.

“Boss, Ye Qianyao’s design looks so much like yours! This can’t be a coincidence!”

“If this happens, we’ll be at a huge disadvantage later!”

Yet Ye Zhaoying remained unusually composed. “Don’t worry, it’s fine.”

Little Li studied Ye Zhaoying’s confident and calm demeanor but couldn’t smile. In fashion design, similarity was a grave taboo.

With Ye Qianyao’s current influence, they had no advantage. When public opinion turned against them, how could they be safe?

Yet little Li dared not say more and sat anxiously watching.

After Ye Qianyao’s presentation, thunderous applause erupted. She smiled triumphantly and shot Ye Zhaoying a challenging glance, as if the trophy was already in her hands.

But Ye Zhaoying’s face showed no shock or loss of control.

When Ye Qianyao looked at her, Ye Zhaoying returned a disdainful smile.

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That smile unsettled Ye Qianyao instantly, as if a great conspiracy was surfacing.

Her heart sank with nervousness and worry, but in front of everyone, under the flashing lights, she could not lose her composure.

Ye Qianyao forced herself to maintain her smile and returned to her seat, where Supervisor Xiao beamed, lavishly praising her.

“Xiao Ye, excellent work! Judging by the judges’ reactions, this project is almost certainly yours. About that assistant supervisor position I promised you—I’ll apply to the manager for it as soon as we’re back!”

At the mention of “assistant supervisor,” Ye Qianyao’s eyes lit up instantly, and the unease caused by Ye Zhaoying began to fade.

Ye Zhaoying is so foolish, how could she have a backup plan?

Even if her design is similar to mine, so what? With my fame, everyone will think she plagiarized me!

No matter how much she protests, it won’t matter; reputation speaks for itself!

Thinking of this, Ye Qianyao smiled again, chin raised, watching the next presentations.

After a long wait, the host finally announced “Morning Light Studio.”

Teams participating in this event were generally well-known in the industry. Although there were no strict entry requirements, no one dared embarrass themselves without some capability.

But Morning Light Studio? No one had really heard of them. As for Ye Zhaoying, if anyone knew her name, it was mostly because she was Ye Qianyao’s sister.

Under curious and somewhat frivolous gazes, Ye Zhaoying walked onto the stage step by step, calm and composed.

Whispers arose nearby.

“Not bad, although I haven’t heard of her, she’s really pretty!”

“Yeah! And her aura is great too!”

“What good is being pretty if your skills are lacking?”

“True, I’ve heard this Ye Zhaoying is just a pretty face; her design skills don’t even reach a tenth of Ye Qianyao’s.”

“Then why is she here? To make a fool of herself?”

“Maybe she’s just trying to catch some attention...”

None of these voices affected Ye Zhaoying. She had endured far worse hardships; what did a little gossip matter?

She stood on stage confidently and lifted her eyes to see Lu Jingchen sitting in the front row, right in the center.